VAVARA, MALANGAN WOVEN FUNERAL DISC, New Ireland, PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

VAVARA, Malangan Woven Funeral Disc, Northern New Ireland, PNG

These woven discs, called VAVARA, are completely different to other Malangan objects with much greater taboo and secrecy. They were first recorded by Ludwig Kramer in 1909 who described them as "sun discs". However, the design is based on a spider web and they are considered potent and dangerous. These relate to female funerals and after the ceremony they are burned, only on a calm day, as even the smoke can be dangerous. Ifthey are removed at night, they can be sold to foreigners, as long as they are removed secretly and completely.

$4,000.00

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